Collaboration

Cloud crawled through the vents, just ahead of Barret. Before the vent went to the conference room, it first went by a few stray offices. Most of them were empty but this one ...

Cloud recognized the collaborator. He was in an office alone with a woman. Typical Shinra midlevel. Straight dark brown hair, business suit on, late 20s. She was wiping her eyes as the Black man consoled her.

"I'm sure he's safe," he told her.

"But he lives right by Sector 7 ... I keep calling and calling but can't get through. He's an asshole and my ex, but ..."

"I heard that all the phone lines are down. It doesn't mean anything," he said.

"Are you sure?" she asked.

"Pretty sure," he said, giving her that brilliant smile he gave Tifa. "Look, why don't I go take a piss, and then let's go get a coffee together."

"Oh, I'd love that," she said. "I thought after the first time you wouldn't be interested ..."

"Of course I'm interested," he said suavely. Then he looked into the vent, and flashed that same smile.